This story is free to read because readers choose to support LAist. If you find value in independent local reporting, make a donation to power our newsroom today.
This archival content was originally written for and published on KPCC.org. Keep in mind that links and images may no longer work — and references may be outdated.
Explaining LA measure JJJ and its vision for jobs and housing
Construction next to the Staples Center sports arena continues, spurring a flurry of construction of high-rise loft buildings nearby in Los Angeles, California.
(
David McNew/Getty Images
)
Listen
0:57
Explaining LA measure JJJ and its vision for jobs and housing
Housing comes up on the ballot today for Los Angeles residents in the form of Measure JJJ, and it addresses the pace of development in Southern California and what's being built.
Here's what you need to know.
What it does
There are three key pieces to this initiative:
- Most big developments with more than 10 units would have to set aside as much as 20 percent of the homes inside as subsidized housing for low-income people.
- Builders will have to make an effort to hire locals who have an address in L.A. and are unionized.
- It would create special incentives for developers who build housing near a major mass transit line.
Who's behind it
The Los Angeles County Federation of Labor, AFL-CIO, is the main backer of this law.
Other backers include the Koreatown Immigrant Workers Alliance, SEIU and the L.A. League of Conservation Voters.
Sponsored message
They say it will create good jobs for local Angelenos, as well as quality housing for low-income families in neighborhoods throughout the city.
Who's against it
Los Angeles Area Chamber of Commerce and the Building Industry Association of Southern California are among those against it.
They say these regulations will slow down the pace of development in Los Angeles, in a city that already has a housing shortage.
Where the vote stands
Something else you should know
Mayor Eric Garcetti has said he's leaning in favor JJJ, while members of the city council are mum on the issue.
Sponsored message
Even if Measure JJJ passes, it faces another threat in 2017: The Neighborhood Integrity Initiative. That measure, which will appear on the March 2017 ballot, proposes a two year moratorium on large, dense construction projects in Los Angeles, or until the city revamps its planning and zoning codes.
If that March initiative passes, it would put a stop to so-called "mega-developments" which Measure JJJ attempts to regulate.
You come to LAist because you want independent reporting and trustworthy local information. Our newsroom doesn’t answer to shareholders looking to turn a profit. Instead, we answer to you and our connected community. We are free to tell the full truth, to hold power to account without fear or favor, and to follow facts wherever they lead. Our only loyalty is to our audiences and our mission: to inform, engage, and strengthen our community.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Right now, LAist has lost $1.7M in annual funding due to Congress clawing back money already approved. The support we receive from readers like you will determine how fully our newsroom can continue informing, serving, and strengthening Southern California.
If this story helped you today, please become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission. It just takes 1 minute to donate below.
Your tax-deductible donation keeps LAist independent and accessible to everyone.
Senior Vice President News, Editor in Chief
